COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Residents in southwest Iowa are being warned to prepare for dangerous storms as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 4 a.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued the watch, predicting that communities in Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, and Pottawattamie counties may experience damaging winds of up to 70 mph and large hail.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, issued the watch at 8:45 p.m. Saturday as a fast-moving line of storms advanced eastward from Nebraska. The powerful storms are expected to cause scattered power outages, downed trees, and hazardous travel conditions, particularly along major routes such as Interstate 29 and Highway 34.
Local emergency management officials are advising residents to take immediate precautions. They are urging people to stay indoors, secure any outdoor items, and keep devices fully charged in case of power loss. Additionally, lightning will present an increased risk, particularly for those who are outside during the late evening and early morning hours.
While storm activity is expected to taper off by sunrise, the National Weather Service has cautioned that additional weather alerts may be issued if the system continues to maintain strength into Sunday morning.
With the potential for severe weather, residents are advised to stay vigilant, monitor updates from local authorities, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
